Casserole with potatoes and mushrooms

A casserole with potatoes and mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender potatoes with earthy mushrooms in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious potato and mushroom casserole:

Potato and Mushroom Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Potatoes:

   • Peel and slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). A mandolin slicer can help achieve even slices.

3. Cook Mushrooms:

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary.

4. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk or heavy cream until smooth.

5. Assemble Casserole:

   • In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom.
   • Spread half of the mushroom mixture over the potatoes.
   • Pour half of the soup mixture over the mushrooms and potatoes.
   • Add another layer of potato slices and spread the remaining mushroom mixture on top.
   • Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.

6. Add Topping (Optional):

   • For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

7. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

8. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different tastes.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mushroom mixture for a bit of heat.
• Healthier Option: Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

This potato and mushroom casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect as a main course or a side dish. Enjoy!